Department of State launches new electronic notary license system to provide online services to New Yorkers

Starting Feb. 1, notaries can register the capability to offer electronic notary services in New York

√ Existing notaries can choose to keep the traditional license

√ To learn more about this new license & requirements for notaries, go here

The New York State Department of State announced the availability of an online application and registration portal for notaries starting Feb. 1. Notaries can now register the capability to perform electronic notarial acts. Registration of the capability to perform electronic notary services is opt-in; through the traditional license notaries will continue to provide services through in-person interaction with an individual signing a document in ink.

“We live in a digital world where many transactions and services are facilitated online, in order to have a quick and simple way of processing things in our day-to-day activities,” Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said. “The Department of State, a gateway of opportunity, is proud to facilitate the access to electronic online notary services to make it easier for New Yorkers to conduct business in a rapid and accessible manner.”

This change will allow licensees who are commissioned as a notary public to continue with their commission without making any changes to their license. If licensed notaries do not intend to provide electronic notary services, they do not need to upgrade their commission.

Those already licensed and intending to provide electronic notary services will need to register with the Department of State the capability to perform electronic notarial acts. Electronic notary services must be provided by registered electronic notaries.

A press release noted, “A new online portal will be launched to facilitate notary transactions with the Department of State. This portal allows notaries to easily apply for a credential online, and will soon allow notaries to quickly perform many related transactions – such as changing a name or address and scheduling an examination. The portal will also allow licensees to check the status of applications. The department will also continue to make a paper application available for traditional notaries.”

The New York Department of State licenses 38 professions. As part of the enactment of the NY Executive Law Section 135-c in the next several months, the DOS will start an education and outreach campaign for licensees to inform them about the new requirements through social media, website postings, and general correspondence to all licensees. For more information, licensees can contact the department at 518-474-4429 or go to https://dos.ny.gov/notary-public#remote-notarization-faqs.